Treating fainting associated with the nervous system

Most fainting episodes are associated with a temporary malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the body's automatic functions, such as heartbeat and blood pressure.

This type of fainting is called neurally mediated syncope. Treatment for neurally mediated syncope involves avoiding any possible triggers.

If you're not sure what caused your fainting episode, your GP may suggest keeping a diary of any symptoms you experience.

It may help to identify possible causes by making a note of what you were doing at the time you fainted.

There are also steps you can take to avoid losing consciousness if you think you may be about to faint.

Fainting associated with an external trigger

Fainting can occur when an external trigger, such as a stressful situation, causes a temporary malfunction in your autonomic nervous system. This is called vasovagal syncope.

In most cases of vasovagal syncope, further treatment isn't required. However, you may find it useful to avoid potential triggers, such as stress or excitement, hot and stuffy environments, and long periods spent standing.

If you know injections or medical procedures like blood tests make you feel faint, you should tell the doctor or nurse beforehand. They'll make sure you're lying down during the procedure.

Fainting associated with bodily functions

Fainting can occur when a bodily function or activity – such as coughing – places a sudden strain on the autonomic nervous system. This is called situational syncope.

There's no specific treatment for situational syncope, but avoiding the triggers may help. For example, if coughing caused you to faint, you may be able to suppress your urge to cough and avoid fainting.

Carotid sinus syndrome

Carotid sinus syndrome is where pressure on your carotid sinus causes you to faint. It's more common in older men.

Your carotid sinus is a collection of sensors in the carotid artery, which is the main artery in your neck that supplies blood to your brain.

You can avoid fainting by not putting any pressure on your carotid sinus – for example, by not wearing shirts with tight collars.

In some people, carotid sinus syndrome can be treated by having a pacemaker fitted. A pacemaker is a small electrical device that's implanted in your chest to help keep your heart beating regularly.

Treating fainting associated with low blood pressure

Fainting can occur when your blood pressure drops as you stand up. This drop in blood pressure is called orthostatic hypotension.

Your GP may also advise you to eat small, frequent meals rather than large ones, and increase your salt intake.

Taking certain medications can also decrease blood pressure. However, don't stop taking a prescribed medication unless your GP or another qualified healthcare professional in charge of your care advises you to do so.

Physical counterpressure manoeuvres

Physical counterpressure manoeuvres are movements designed to raise your blood pressure and prevent you losing consciousness.

One study found training in physical counterpressure manoeuvres can reduce fainting in some people.

Physical counterpressure manoeuvres include:

crossing your legs

clenching the muscles in your lower body

squeezing your hands into a fist

tensing your arm muscles

You need to be trained to carry out these movements correctly. You can then do them if you experience any symptoms that suggest you're about to faint, such as feeling lightheaded.

Driving

If you've fainted, it could affect your ability to drive. Depending on what caused you to faint and whether you have any underlying health conditions, you may need to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

It's your legal obligation to inform the DVLA about a medical condition that could affect your driving ability. The GOV.UK website has more information about blackouts, fainting and driving.

Safety at work

If you've fainted, it may affect your safety at work or the safety of others. For example, continuing to operate machinery may be dangerous if it's likely you'll faint again.

The healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat your condition can tell you whether it's likely to affect your work. If it is, speak to your health and safety representative.

Page last reviewed: 02/12/2016

Next review due: 02/12/2019

Share:

Save:

Print:

Ratings

How helpful is this page?

Average rating

Based on
189 ratings

All ratings

94
ratings

56
ratings

12
ratings

11
ratings

16
ratings

Add your rating

How to put someone into the recovery position

Please enable JavaScript in order to view the video.

This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to put someone into the recovery position.